That would be the single-best total since WMU rushed for 2,022 in 2000. Former star running back Robert Sanford rushed for 1,571 yards in 2000, which is the second-best single-season mark in program history.

“You take the Illinois game (the season-opener) out and this is really what we were like (back in 2000),” WMU coach Bill Cubit said. “If we could get 240-250 yards passing and 200 yards is a pretty good rushing day. Considering the defensive teams we’ve played so far it’s been good.”

The Broncos don’t have that kind of player this year, but they have three running backs in Antoin Scriven, Brian Fields and Dareyon Chance who bring a no-nonsense attitude and an offensive line determined to open running lanes.

Chance leads the way with 622 yards and two touchdowns on 111 carries, while Fields has 339 yards and two touchdowns on 62 carries and Scriven has 121 yards and seven touchdowns on 22 totes. Junior Tevin Drake has 107 yards on 22 carries, but he has seen the field sparingly this season.

In Western Michigan’s loss on Sept. 15 at Big Ten opponent Minnesota, the Broncos rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns against a good defensive front.

It was a good confidence boost, but Fields said the offense knew well before the start of the season it could sustain a running attack this season.

“Coming into fall camp we felt good about the line up front and we have a veteran group in the backfield that was confident we could get it done. We’re feeling good about it.

“We’ve been successful and it’s a credit to the offensive line and everyone working hard. We’re just doing our jobs.”

Matt Gade | MLive.comWestern Michigan's Brian Fields (20) breaks out for a gain after getting a block from Antoin Scriven (21) in a game against UMass earlier this season.

It’s been a special year running the ball for WMU, but it seems to be partly out of necessity as the explosive plays through the air aren’t coming as easily as they have in recent years and WMU’s defense still struggles at times.

Senior quarterback Alex Carder has missed the previous four games with an injured finger on his throwing hand and WMU’s receiving corps has been injured and inconsistent at times.

Backup quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen connected with Josh Schaffer on an 81-yard touchdown strike, but prior to that the longest passing play on the season was a 43-yard pass thrown by Carder.

“Last year, we lost three running backs in one game, so out of necessity you go out and do what you need to do and pass the ball,” Cubit said. “Same thing on the other side – If you lose five wide outs you’re going to have to find a way to run the ball.”

Said Chance: “We welcome pressure. If there is pressure, bring it on. Like I said, to me and to everyone in the running back room, there’s another play for us to run and another opportunity to score.”

By running the ball, WMU has been able to sustain drives and keep its defense off the field.

It hasn’t been all sunshine for the running backs as WMU is minus-7 in the turnover ratio this season and has lost eight of 15 fumbles.

In the Broncos’ 41-24 loss at Kent State Saturday, WMU was at KSU’s 11-yard line looking to punch the ball in and pull within three points, 34-31, but instead Fields took a handoff and cut back, ran into Tyler Van Tubbergen, fumbled the ball and watched as the Golden Flashes defense returned it 85 yards for a touchdown that put the game out of reach.

Chance also fumbled in the game trying to pick up an extra yard or two on a short gain.

“It’s unacceptable, period,” Fields said. “We have to hold onto the ball. We have to have ball security. We felt like we let our team down.”

Cubit said WMU has left some rushing yards unattained this season because of the turnovers and other mental mistakes.

Cubit said he’s confident his offense can establish and maintain a running game with the numerous looks it gives opposing defenses.

“There are a lot of different things you can do in this offense,” he said. “Sometimes you line up in four-wide and you hand the ball off to Chance. There’s a lot of open area. Sometimes, running the ball in four-wide is easier than running the ball with two tight ends and two backs. We just take what the defense gives us.”